Carolyn Warren

Reviewer Carolyn Warren: Carolyn is the author of Mortgage Rip-Offs and Money Savers, an Amazon bestseller and Book of the Month pick for The Washington Post (8/08). She also writes for the Christian market. Praying Through Your Pregnancy was a finalist in the 2010 ECOA Book Awards. She enjoys reading nonfiction, literary fiction, and women's mainstream novels. Follow Here To Find Out More About Carolyn and Here.

The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder’s Guide gives the
LEGO builder what he or she doesn’t receive from the instructions
that come with the LEGO sets: an explanation, with color photos, of
how things work. Rather than the customary building instructions, the
author shows you component mechanisms, such as transmissions or
suspension systems, which you can then incorporate into your own
unique creations.

While the book was written with the modern LEGO sets in
mind, it also includes material for those who have the older sets. So
even if you’re an adult who loved playing with LEGOs as a kid,
you’ll find something new you can use to rediscover the joy of LEGO
building here.

Pawet “Sariel” Kmiec brings 20 years of Lego
building to this comprehensive book. He is a prolific blogger and
model builder, a guest blogger for the official LEGO Technic blog,
and a 2012 LEGO Ambassador.

The book begins with the basics: speed, torque, power,
friction, traction, rolling resistance, backlash, efficiency, and
vehicular concepts. Then moves onto the mechanics where you’ll find
gears and power transmissions, chains and pulleys, levers and
linkages, pneumatic devices, and finally, how to build strong.

Part III covers motors. Then onto advanced mechanics.
Part V shows form versus function, scaling a model, and the modeling
process. Kmiec includes building at odd angles, building cleverly,
and controlling your models.

One of my favorite parts is the instructions on how to
make flashing lights using the LEGO LEDs. With this knowledge, you
can go on to give your vehicle turn signals. How impressive is that?!

The clear and well-laid-out book allows plenty of room
for your individual creativity, so use the inspiration and let your
imagination go. This is a great manual for middle-grade and up, and
is perfect for budding engineers.